Vincent P. Michelini Jr.

1943 - 2023

Vincent P. Michelini Jr.
Born: October 31, 1943 in Lasalle, IL
Died: March 25, 2023 in Peru, IL
Vincent P. Michelini Jr., 79, of Peru, passed away peacefully Saturday, March 25, 2023 at his home, surrounded by his loving wife and his family.
Visitation will be 4-7:00 PM on Friday, March 31, 2023 at the Mueller Funeral Home in Peru. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Saturday, April 1, 2023 at the funeral home with Pastor Steve Adamson of Faith Church, Peru officiating. Per his wishes, Vince will be transported to Peru City Cemetery by a hayrack pulled by an antique tractor.
Vince, or Jr. as his close friends called him, was born October 31, 1943 in LaSalle to Vincent P. and Elsie (Englehaupt) Michelini. He attended Ottawa High School where his love of fast cars and hard work were too endearing for Karen Louise Rockey to resist. They married on February 22, 1964 and began 59 years of life together.
Vince and Karen made a life of farming in the Illinois Valley area his entire life, beginning a legacy continued today by his son and grandson. His love for John Deere began when he worked at Myer Bros. Implement in Ottawa in the 1960's. When he bought a new combine, he looked forward to seeing his combine in production at the John Deere Harvester Works in Moline. He shared these special moments with his son, grandsons, and landlords. With his wife, son, and daughter-in-law by his side, Illinois Valley Excavating was founded in 1996. His passion for farming was well known by the many friends who started their mornings together with him at the coffee shop. His coffee shop mornings also occurred in Orr, Minnesota, where he and Karen built a life with many cherished friends. The summers at Pelican Lake created priceless memories for his family.
Vince was also a member of the Laborers' Local #393, the Bureau Co. Farm Bureau, the Moose International, and the Spring Valley Boat Club. There was little "free time" in his life, but throughout the years he enjoyed skiing and snowmobiling trips, fishing trips to Canada, and even a trip to Italy. He always enjoyed planting and harvesting his garden and sharing the fresh produce with friends and family. Many memories were made with Karen fishing in Minnesota, with his beloved Diamond Dog at his side.
His other passion was his family. Vince is survived by his wife, Karen; three children, Catherine McNally of North Aurora, Steven Vincent (wife, Laura Chapman) Michelini of Peru, and Debra (husband, Andrew) Heilemeier of Sandwich; six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Louis Michelini; his sister, Josephine Mitchell; and a son-in-law, Thomas J. McNally.
Pallbearers will be grandsons, Steven "Joe" Michelini, Zachary McNally, Jacob Heilemeier, Jackson Heilemeier, Seth Brannan, and nephew, Randy Michelini. Granddaughters, Kelsey (Michelini) Brannan and Kathryn McNally will participate in the services by sharing scripture passages.
Memorial contributions may be directed to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
The online guestbook may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.MuellerFH.com.